Interviews: Black Passage

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band Black Passage from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE. 

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

Coming up with a name for the band wasn’t super easy. Kevin and I definitely had an idea for how we wanted the name to sound; fairly simple, yet dark. A name that wouldn’t make us sound just like a metal band, almost even something with a darkwave/goth feel to it. After brainstorming unsuccessfully for a while I was out with my girlfriend and her sisters and mentioned my frustration with the process. One of my girlfriend's sisters mentioned the name Black Passage after we all had been playing with ideas for a while and it just stood out. It felt right. Kevin seemed immediately impressed with it as well, so we went from there. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I think I can speak for everyone involved in the project when I say that we didn’t want this to be pigeonholed into any one genre, but I will say that we all obviously are very into metal, and have been for a very long time. For me, metal and darker, heavier music have been a big support in my life for a long time. I personally want to feel like we can give back to it in some way. To redistribute some of the value it’s given.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I’ve known Kevin Wilson and Brian Mojica (who have been friends most of their lives) for at least 8 years and had met Andrew Baird and Robby Perry a handful of times over the years just being in the Bay Area metal scene. Hiring Andrew on to drum for the album was something Kevin and I felt was right, and it didn’t hurt that he’s such a solid dude. Robby tried out and felt like a perfect fit, we were impressed by his work ethic and good attitude. We’ve all become good friends for sure.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Hard to just choose one: 

Julian: Korn/ Blink-182/ My Bloody Valentine

Robby: Gojira/ Deftones

Kevin: AFI/ Deftones.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

When Kevin sent me these songs to start writing vocals, he talked about striving to do something different, to step out of my comfort zone. I felt what he was writing was different and I really wanted to embody that. We talked about drawing from everything from nu-Metal, slam, and death metal to alternative rock, grunge, and nu-wave. I think a big inspiration to the music is the diversity and sincerity within the dark and heavy music community. Being vulnerable takes way more courage and strength than talking about some unrelatable shit. And it’s through that honest vulnerability that we can really connect with others through music.

6. Where was your last gig?

Black Passage actually has yet to play a show. We will be announcing our CD release shows at a future date. Andrew is actively touring with Fallujah and Brian is with Wolf King. Robby also plays shows with his band Anisoptera.

7. Where would you like to act?

We’re open to playing pretty much anywhere and hope to do so as well. Anywhere someone will book is and people will watch us play really.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I would love to play with a ton of bands, but I guess my ultimate list would be Korn, Slipknot, Deftones, Lamb of God, Whitechapel, Nothing, Code Orange and Drab Majesty.

9. Whom not?

Any racist, homophobic, hyper-religious groups.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I have definitely felt uncomfortable before a show. Feeling butterflies in my stomach and anxiety. Really I would just say practice, whether it’s at home in front of a mirror, on your couch, at band practice, whatever you need to make your craft become second nature, so regardless of how nervous you might be, you can deliver. Oh and a beer and a shot help too.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

For me, I would say that I always try writing in my own style, with the sole purpose of complimenting the song, but I definitely have drawn from masters of the heavy music world. I sought insight through bands like Slipknot, Korn, Lamb of God and Whitechapel, while trying to maintain my own distinct spin on it. I don’t think I would be out of line in saying Kevin sought for the same individuality while writing the songs, but was definitely influenced by Deftones and Veil of Maya.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Nothing is weird.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Anyone that supports us is who we do this for. I think the ultimate goal of creating music, while self-fulfilling in itself, is to connect with people. Fans of our music are really the only thing that matters to the band. Connection through song is a powerful thing that I think any artist longs to achieve. 

14. What do you think of our site?

I think it looks great! Lots of great insight and coverage on bands of a wide spectrum. It’s sites like Breathing the Core that help to fuel and heavily contribute to the health of the online and worldwide heavy music communities. An awesome site with great content! 15. Something add? Thank you for the opportunity